Daughter of Sparta: A Book Review

This book was like a female version of Percy Jackson! I loved seeing all the gods and goddesses brought to life with different and interesting personalities. Daphne is a pretty likable character too, with a mysterious heritage and dang good fighting skills. I will say that this book moves slowly, but it does have some intense action scenes and some romance sprinkled throughout. I definitely want to continue with this series just so I can see more of the gods and goddesses (Persephone and Hades were my favorites). All in all, I wouldn't say this book is spectacular, but definitely entertaining and a must-read for people who love Greek mythology. A pretty good debut from Claire M. Andrews!

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 3.5
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, Jimmy Patterson Books, for the ARC!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here! 

The Shadow of the Gods: A Book Review

Now this book is an epic tale worthy of the Vikings. I felt like I was completely transported into the Viking world. It has daring and gruesome battle scenes, some interesting characters, and just the right amount of creatures, witchcraft, gods, and prophecy. I also appreciated how much Viking research went into this book. As far as I know, a lot of the elements in this book are accurate, and it was cool to see them in fiction. It really is an immersive book. 

I will say that this book is dense. To me, it read a lot like The Lord of the Rings or The Chronicles of Narnia. John Gwynne has a detailed, adult style that made it hard for me to read a lot in one sitting. Also, his writing style made me feel a bit removed from the characters. It was like watching a movie without being able to go deep into a character's head. That being said, I still cared for the characters and their goals, and I will definitely be picking up the next book. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 3.5
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, Orbit Books, for the ARC!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here! 

Fire with Fire: A Book Review

I was not expecting to like this book as much as I did. I don't often like urban fantasy, but Fire with Fire was done very well. Honestly, the world needs more dragon books, and this is a fantastic one to add to the mix. 

I really liked the doubling points of view between the two sisters. I could sympathize with both of them, and I loved their character arcs. Eden's arc was especially well done. I also loved the secret world of dragon slayers and sorcerers and of course the DRAGONS. I really want a sequel to this book just because I'm so attached to Dani, Eden, and the dragons. 

I will say that this book has a lot of pop-culture and super modern-day references (which in general draw me out of a story) and f-words. So beware if these things bother you. On the bright side, this book does very well in addressing mental health, and I think it's worth the read if you like dragons and well-developed characters.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, HMH Books for Young Readers and NetGalley, for the ARC!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here! 

The Immortals: A Book Review

The Immortals is a remarkable book about the sinking of the Dorchester during World War II and the men who sacrificed and the men who survived. Just when I think we don't need another WWII book, one comes along and proves me wrong. This is a story that needed to be told, especially about Charles Water David Jr., a black man whose story was lost for decades. 

I will say that this book is quite slow. The entire first half of the book sets up what is to come and gives detailed background stories on significant people aboard the Dorchester. But once on the ship, the story becomes gripping. Steven T. Collis has obviously researched a great deal to make this story as accurate as it can be, and he also suggests interesting connections and ideas about loving and accepting people who believe differently than you. I do feel like this book could have been a bit more inspirational, but I still very much enjoyed reading it and learning about the four brave chaplains and Charles. I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves learning about WWII.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 3
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, Shadow Mountain, for the ARC!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here! 

Sky Breaker: A Book Review

Let me start out by saying I really enjoyed the first book, Night Spinner. I loved the idea of a gender-bent Hunchback of Notre Dame retelling in a fantasy world with magic and warring kingdoms. Unfortunately, Sky Breaker didn't live up to the first book for me. Here are a few reasons why. 

First, Enebish started to get on my nerves with how little she trusted everyone and her generally negative attitude throughout the book. Subsequently, I didn't really care about the plot that much. Second, I didn't love Ghoa in this book. I didn't love being in her head and her ending in the book (no spoilers from me). Third, the ending overall was just a bit weird. I didn't love the sudden focus and reality of religion. It's my pet peeve when authors mix omnipotent gods with humans in the plot. 

Anyways, this book just didn't do it for me, but I do like Addie Thorley's writing. I'll be sure to visit her future books, and I'm interested to see what she does next. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 2
Character Development: 3
Overall: 3

Thank you, Page Street Publishing, for the ARC!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here! 

Isabelle and Alexander: A Book Review

Isabelle and Alexander is a bit of an unconventional romance, but I absolutely loved it. I think it's best described as a Victorian version of Me Before You, with elements from North and South. So if you love these two books/movies, be sure to give this one a try! 

I adored the main character, Isabelle. She is the perfect mix of patience and kindness, yet she stands up for what she believes. I loved watching her navigate her relationship with Alexander.

I think my favorite part of this book is that it starts with Isabelle and Alexander already married. So often in period romances, the book ends with marriage. So it was very interesting and entertaining to read a romance starting with marriage. This book is definitely a slow burn romance, and I thought the plot was interesting and captivating. The only think I didn't like in this book was Alexander's character growth. He did have growth, but it didn't have a clear path to me. Because of this, the ending felt a little rushed and too convenient for me to really believe. But Isabelle and Alexander have such a sweet story, and I really enjoyed it all the way through. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 5
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, Shadow Mountain, for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here! 

Mercurial: A Book Review

Mercurial had me hooked from the beginning with its Avatar-esque cover and magic system, interesting plot with oaths and revenge, and the enemies to lovers trope. I was hooked most of the way through, and I truly enjoy Naomi Hughes's writing. However, this book didn't live up to my expectations. First, there wasn't enough room in this book to do the world/politics/magic justice. Second, the enemies to lovers trope rapidly turned into instalove. Third, everything at the end resolved rather quickly and easily. Fourth, I was missing some key character development from the main characters. This book was 412 pages, yet I felt like I needed soooo much more from almost every aspect of the book: characters (main and side), plot, romance, magic, and world building. Because of this, I'd be very interested in seeing more books written in this world. I really did enjoy reading this for the most part. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 3
Character Development: 3
Overall: 3

Thank you, NetGalley and Naomi Hughes, for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!